Database marketing pioneer Robert D. Kestnbaum, who was inducted into the Direct Marketing Association’s Hall of Fame last month, died Nov. 15. He was 70.
Kestnbaum and his wife, Kate, started Kestnbaum Consulting in Chicago in 1967. Over the years, he trained more than 130 direct marketers, many of whom are now in leadership positions throughout the direct marketing industry. He was a co-founder of the Robert Maxwell Co., the original direct marketing division of Bell & Howell, and was direct marketing manager for Montgomery Ward.
KnowledgeBase Marketing, Richardson, TX, purchased Kestnbaum Consulting in 1999.
Among the honors he received were the Direct Marketing Education Foundation’s Edward N. Mayer Jr. Award in 1997 and the Charles Downs Award from the Chicago Association of Direct Marketing in 1988.
He is survived by his wife; son, Meyer “Chip” Kestnbaum; daughter, Ellyn Daniels; and two grandchildren.
Services were scheduled for 11 a.m. today at the Chicago Sinai Congregation, Chicago.
